Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind went on an apology tour yesterday to repair the damage caused by the blackface basketball get-up he used during the Jewish holiday Purim.
Hikind donned a fake Afro and orange jersey during the weekend party, and photos were posted on his son’s Facebook page.
Hikind yesterday called Assemblyman Karim Camara, chairman of the Legislature’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, asking forgiveness.
“Dov was apologetic. I accepted the apology. We’ll move forward from here,” Camara said. “It wasn’t malice intent. It was a fundamental lack of understanding. Dov understands that now.”
Hikind also gave a “heartfelt and sincere apology” on his blog yesterday.
“Unintentional as they were, I recognize now that the connotations of my Purim costume were deeply offensive to many. I am sincerely sorry that I have hurt anyone,” Hikind said.
Anger over Hikind’s blackface even united Mayor Bloomberg and one of his biggest critics, Councilman Charles Barron (D-Brooklyn).
“For once, we agree,” Bloomberg told Barron when the councilman asked about Hikind’s get-up.